DEATH
PENALTY PROJECT INDEX
In the course of examining
our legal justice system, my Sociology class has conducted an investigation
of the death penalty. Our research touched on many different issues
surrounding captial punishment.
A Quick Synopsis
Racial Bias: Many
scholars contend that the death penalty is racially biased. Proponents
of this view claim that accused persons are more likely to receive a death
sentence if they are minorities or if their victims are white. Critics
of recent studies counter that such studies are biased and limited by their
relatively small statistical samples. Supporters of the death penalty
also claim that racial bias studies fail to account for "aggravating factors"
that would compel a jury to sentence a defendent to death. According
to these supporters, such factors occur more frequently in white-victim
homicides.
Legal Incompetence:
Recent
studies also claim that the application of the death penalty is not merely
flawed by racial bias; it is also tainted by the legal incompetence of
defense lawyers. Many in the legal profession contend that death
penalty cases in most states are marred with serious and reversible legal
error.
Comparison Between
States: The use of the death penalty varies greatly among states
and regions. The incidence of "legal incompetence" and serious judicial
error varies as well. The methods used in executions vary among states
as well.
Pro Death Penalty:
Although
many sound arguments exist in opposition to capital punishment, supporters
of the death penalty are vocal in defense of its use. Advocates of
capital punishment defend its use on several grounds.
Comparing the United
States with the World: The United States' use of the death penalty
differs greatly with much of the world. Some countries, in addition
to the United Nations, have spoken out against the United States' approval
of capital punishment.
LINKS TO PROJECTS
Project
Index: Spring 01
Project
Index: Fall 01
Death
Penalty Questionnaire
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